Sherry's Country Corner

First we wash and peel and core the apples about 5-6 pounds.  I cooked the apples in a sauce pan with a little water.  After the apples are soft then I used a potato masher and mashed the apples to apple sauce consistency.  If you just wanted apple sauce this is how it is done.  You would either add sugar and cinnamon at this point if wanting applesauce.  At this point do not add anything if wanting to make apple butter except the enough water to cover the bottom to cook the apples.

 

 

Next step for apple butter: Once your apple sauce is done add about 1 1/2 cups of apple cider (can use apple juice [unsweetened), 1 Tblsp. cinnamon,1 to 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar firmly packed, 1/2 tsp. ground cloves and 1/4 tsp. allspice. Allow to cook overnight on low in your crock pot. 10-15 hours or until mixture is a deep brown.
Spoon hot apple butter into hot sterilized jars and seal, then process half-pints, 10 minutes in a boiling water bath.

 

                                                           

 

Pear butter can be done the same way except you would use orange juice instead  of apple cider and use about 1/2 tsp. nutmeg instead of other spices.  You can also use 1 tsp. grated orange peel for additional flavor.  I didn't have any oranges to zest so, I left that out.  Enjoy and Happy harvesting!

 

                                         

These would make great gifts!